Looking back in honor of #stjosephs130th: St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in #Phoenix was the only hospital Pope John Paul II visited during his 10-day tour of the United States in 1987. The visit involved intricate planning that started a year in advance. Thousands of people, some of whom had waited outside the hospital all night, lined Thomas Road to get a look at the pontiff. John Paul II greeted the crowd upon his arrival and shared a few words, stating that the good works of the Church are done in places like St. Joseph’s. He said every person associated with the hospital was doing Christ’s work. The pontiff dedicated the rest of his hospital visit to seeing pediatric patients and premature infants. 📰 The visit was covered by local and national news outlets, including the New York Times.